Allen Johnson established Johnson’s Coaching, previously under a different business name, three years ago and quickly saw it grow.

The move came after leaving a stable job as he was preparing to become a father for the first time.

While the risk paid off, Allen feared for his firm’s future as coronavirus threatened to cause havoc last March.

We remain in the midst of a global pandemic, but Allen has seen Johnson’s Coaching go from strength to strength.

He said: “It’s been difficult over the course of the last year because gyms closed and 90 per cent of my business was through face-to-face interaction.

“I had to make changes in the space of a couple of days, after Boris Johnson made the initial lockdown announcement, to make sure I was in a position to keep supporting clients.

All smiles - Johnson's Coaching has been attracting clients from further afield due to workouts becoming virtual Picture: GAZ DE VERE

“It was important to help my clients reach their goals and, although some left because they didn’t like change, I have now welcomed people from further afield to Johnson’s Coaching.

“Beforehand, I could only train people living in the Southend area, but now I have clients from outside of Essex.

“I have tried to turn this difficult situation into an ideal opportunity to make changes which will allow my business to grow online.”

Allen, of Southend, launched the Lockdown Fitness & Mental Health Support Facebook page in March and it now boasts more than 4,500 members.

SEE ALSO

• Amazon-style site could be lifeline for Southend businesses in pandemic
• Pitsea businessman helping independent firms to stay alive through new app

The 30-year-old also runs the MindShift Movement podcast as he looks to keep spirits up in these unprecedented times.

He added: “Helping people, particularly during a pandemic, is a great feeling.

“Having an online support system, through my business, has been a game-changer for a lot of people.

“I have been doing online workouts, going on Facebook Live and putting together meal plans. It’s great to know people have benefited.”

Allen has also begun swimming in the bitterly cold Thames Estuary, which he hopes his clients will back when we return to some form of normality.

Braving the elements - Allen has begun cold water swimming by taking to the Thames Estuary Picture: GAZ DE VERE

He admitted: “Cold water swimming was really difficult to start with, but I enjoy it and there are so many benefits that come with it.

“It boosts your immune system, which is more important than ever because of coronavirus. I would love to see the community come together for cold water swimming in safer times.”

Every week we will be unveiling our Personal Trainer of the Week as we look to champion local fitness gurus across south Essex. To nominate yourself or a personal trainer you enjoy working with, simply complete the form below.